The outbreak situation at the Swift Current Care Centre has been declared over under the guidance of Consulting Medical Health Officer Dr. David Torr. The decision was reached this morning following a review of the situation and the individuals who had previously been showing signs and symptoms of a ‘norovirus-like’ illness.

The visitor restrictions to the facility have been lifted and all visitations can return to normal.

Cypress Health would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Infection Control Team members for their diligence in eradicating the virus, and also to the families and general public for their patience during the past 6 days of the outbreak. We do appreciate all of the efforts in minimizing the effects of this outbreak.

Thanks for your assistance in increasing the public’s awareness during this outbreak – your messaging helped to emphasize the community’s role in infection control practices.

CYPRESS LODGE – MAPLE CREEK

Along with the good news regarding the SCCC, a new outbreak was declared this morning for the Cypress Lodge (long term care facility) in Maple Creek, under the guidance of Dr. Torr.

·3 long term care residents and 1 staff member are experiencing signs and symptoms related to a currently unknown enteric illness.

·Visitor restrictions have been implemented – no visitation will be allowed, with the exception of extenuating circumstances where end-of-life situations exist. In this case, families are encouraged to contact the facility’s Registered Nurse in charge and special arrangements will be made.

·Enhanced cleaning and infection control protocols have been implemented by the Infection Control Team members in public health and environmental services.

·Samples have been collected and are being shipped to the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory in Regina.